NHL Trade Rumors: Winnipeg Jets close to acquiring Kevin Hayes
The Winnipeg Jets are close to getting Kevin Hayes from the New York Rangers, according to the latest NHL trade rumors.
With Mark Stone’s set a bit too high for the Winnipeg Jets‘ liking, they’ve moved on to other targets. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, they’ve found their guy in New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes.
Bob McKenzie is reporting the two sides are closing in on a deal, though nothing is set in stone yet. The Jets have been linked to Hayes since around November. He wouldn’t be quite the addition that Stone would have been, but it appears he’ll be far more affordable.
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Expect the Jets to be giving up their 2019 first-round pick in exchange for him. The market has been set for centers. You want a top-six center? It will cost you at least a first-round pick and a prospect.
There might be a conditional pick involved as well, since those appear to be all the rage this year. According to Darren Dreger, Brendan Lemieux is likely going to be involved in the package. McKenzie later confirmed this, as well as added the possibility of a conditional pick..
UPDATE (10:40 a.m. ET): The conditional pick is a fourth-round pick. If the Jets win the Stanley Cup, they give it to the Rangers. If they don’t, they don’t give an extra pick. (Source: Craig Custance)
Hayes would give the Jets a versatile forward. He’s had success both at center and at wing. Hayes should give the Jets a bit of a boost at even strength, where they have been rather pedestrian as of late. This season, Hayes has 14 goals and 42 points, which is just seven points off of his career high of 49 set back in 2016-17.
We will provide updates as this situation progresses. But as of right now, it appears that Hayes will be heading to the Jets. For the second straight year, they’ve acquired the top six forward they’ve needed through the trade deadline.
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The Jets were hoping to re-sign Paul Stastny after the 2017-18 season, but unfortunately for the, he went to the Vegas Golden Knights in free agency.
For updated NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page.